And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's indignant "Man, I am not!" reveals more than just his denial; it signals his agitated state, desperately trying to distance himself from Jesus by resorting to a harsh tone. This moment highlights the slippery slope of sin, where one denial can easily lead to another as fear and desperation escalate.
And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Peter's first denial, while he's trying to warm himself by a fire in the high priest's courtyard, someone else spots him. This person calls out, directly accusing him of being one of Jesus' followers. Flustered and possibly angry at being recognized again, Peter vehemently denies it a second time.
One lie often leads to another, and Peter's story is a stark example. What happens to our resolve when we try to cover up a mistake?
Peter's denial didn't happen in a vacuum. After his first denial, he likely hoped to escape further scrutiny. But the pressure mounted. This second accusation, and his subsequent denial, show the dangerous momentum that sin can gain.
Peter's response isn't just a simple 'no.' The sharp tone in his denial reveals a deeper inner turmoil. What can this tell us about our own reactions under pressure?
The interjection 'Man!' when Peter says, 'Man, I am not,' is more than just emphasis. It carries a tone of anger and impatience.
Ask a follow-up
This pivotal moment reveals Peter's human frailty under pressure, but also the profound impact of Jesus' knowing gaze, which not only exposes the denial but also initiates repentance.
c. AD 30
Jesus Arrested
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane by temple guards and Roman soldiers.
c. AD 30— this verse
Peter Follows to High Priest's Courtyard
Peter, along with other disciples, follows at a distance as Jesus is taken to the house of the High Priest, Caiaphas, for preliminary questioning.
c. AD 30
First Denial
While warming himself by a fire in the courtyard, Peter is recognized by a servant girl and denies knowing Jesus for the first time.
c. AD 30
Second Denial
After moving to the gate, Peter is again identified, possibly by the same girl or others, and denies knowing Jesus a second time, possibly with more vehemence.
c. AD 30
Third Denial
A kinsman of Malchus (whom Peter had wounded) and others press Peter, recognizing his Galilean accent. He denies Jesus a third time, now with oaths and curses.
c. AD 30
Cock Crows and Jesus Looks
Immediately after Peter's third denial, a cock crows, and Jesus, who is nearby, turns and looks directly at Peter. This moment triggers Peter's memory and deep remorse.
c. AD 30
Peter Repents
Overwhelmed with grief and shame, Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly over his denial of Jesus.
This passage describes a similar accusation against Peter by a maid, highlighting the escalating nature of the denials and the pressure Peter felt.
Mark 14:69This parallel account emphasizes how another maid recognized Peter, reinforcing the immediate and repeated nature of the accusations that led to his denial.
John 18:25This Gospel presents a slightly different perspective, showing others confronting Peter after the maid's accusation, illustrating how the initial denial led to further pressure.
Luke 22:61This verse immediately follows Peter's denial and describes Jesus turning to look at him, showing the profound impact of Jesus' awareness and the beginning of Peter's repentance.
1 Peter 5:5This verse, written by Peter himself, speaks about clothing yourselves with humility and being subject to one another, offering a stark contrast to his prideful denial in this passage and showing his later understanding of true discipleship.
bengelLuke 22:58: "And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not."
Luke 22:58 . Οὐκ εἰμὶ , I am not ) Whilst Peter is denying himself, he is all the time denying his Lord: and whilst he is denying that he is (says “that he is not”), he in fact ceases to be [viz. of the Lord’s followers]. His very words show the flutter of agitation he was in.
ellicottLuke 22:58: "And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not."
(58) Man. —The noun so used in the vocative always implies a certain touch of anger or impatience. (See Note on Luke 12:14 .)
Peter's indignant "Man, I am not!" reveals more than just his denial; it signals his agitated state, desperately trying to distance himself from Jesus by resorting to a harsh tone. This moment highlights the slippery slope of sin, where one denial can easily lead to another as fear and desperation escalate.
Just moments after Peter's first denial, while he's trying to warm himself by a fire in the high priest's courtyard, someone else spots him. This person calls out, directly accusing him of being one of Jesus' followers. Flustered and possibly angry at being recognized again, Peter vehemently denies it a second time.
Just moments after Peter's first denial, while he's trying to warm himself by a fire in the high priest's courtyard, someone else spots him. This person calls out, directly accusing him of being one of Jesus' followers. Flustered and possibly angry at being recognized again, Peter vehemently denies it a second time.
"And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”" — Peter's indignant "Man, I am not!" reveals more than just his denial; it signals his agitated state, desperately trying to distance himself from Jesus by resorting to a harsh tone. This moment highli…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026